Chronic non-cancer-related pain : Long-term treatment with rapid-release and short-acting opioids in the context of misuse and dependency.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
23340881
Owner:
NLM
Status:
Publisher

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

Annually published data show a continual increase in the volume of opioid prescriptions in Germany, thus indicating an intensification of opioid therapy. The majority of opioids are prescribed to treat chronic non-cancer-related pain. On the basis of current guidelines, as well as in terms of the lack of data regarding long-term use of opioids and their effectiveness beyond a period of 3 months, this development must be viewed critically. With reference to four case reports, we discuss and evaluate opioid therapy in relation to medication misuse and the development of drug dependency. Particular emphasis is placed on the administration of rapid-release and short-acting opioid preparations, which we consider to be particularly problematic. A full-text English version of the article is available.The English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink (under"Supplemental").